Brazil's Supreme Court banned the social media platform X, owned by Elon Musk, after the company failed to appoint a local legal representative. This decision, led by Judge Alexandre de Moraes, aims to combat political disinformation. Despite the ban, right-wing politicians, including Jair Bolsonaro's sons, continue to use X via VPNs, criticizing de Moraes and the court's decision. Meanwhile, left-wing politicians are migrating to Bluesky. The ban has sparked a debate on free speech and the potential dangers of political polarization on social media platforms. VPNs remain a tool for circumventing the ban, though their effectiveness is debated.

Brazil is experiencing a significant shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) as part of its green energy transition, with China playing a pivotal role in this development. The majority of EVs in Brazil are imported from China, prompting Brazil to reintroduce import taxes to protect its domestic industry. The Brazilian government has launched the 'Mover' program to support sustainable mobility, aiming to increase EV sales to 30% by 2030. Chinese companies like BYD and Great Wall Motors are expanding their presence in Brazil, with BYD constructing a production base in Bahia. Brazil's lithium reserves, crucial for EV batteries, are attracting Chinese interest, though environmental concerns persist. Despite the promising growth, challenges such as high prices and inadequate charging infrastructure remain, with EV adoption currently concentrated among Brazil's wealthier regions.

Gig workers in Brazil and Mexico are renting accounts on delivery platforms like iFood, Uber, and DiDi to bypass bans and increase their income. Despite explicit bans on account sharing, up to 30% of gig workers in Mexico may be using rented accounts. Rising fuel costs, oversupply of workers, and platform bans contribute to this trend. Platforms have implemented ID verification measures, but workers find ways around them. Renting accounts leaves workers vulnerable to scams and without insurance. Labor rights organizations highlight the lack of support and stability for gig workers.

Older gig workers face significant challenges, including lack of health insurance and vulnerability to crime, particularly in countries like Pakistan, South Africa, and Venezuela. In Pakistan, the focus is on younger populations, leaving older workers unsupported. In South Africa, high crime rates make older Uber drivers easy targets. Venezuelans, facing age discrimination and economic instability, turn to gig work as a survival strategy. Despite being a lifeline, gig platforms often dismiss workers as they age.

Older individuals are increasingly turning to gig work as a means of survival due to inadequate social security systems and rising living costs. Despite the challenges of low earnings, long hours, and health risks, gig work offers flexibility and a low barrier to entry. The global population of older gig workers is expected to grow, driven by demographic changes and economic pressures. However, the lack of social safety nets poses significant challenges, with many older workers unable to retire due to insufficient savings and pensions. Efforts are underway in some countries to provide social protections for gig workers, but progress is slow. The article highlights the need for reimagined social security systems to address the growing economic inequalities among older people.

Amid Venezuela's economic collapse, older citizens are increasingly turning to online gig work as a primary income source. With pensions insufficient to cover basic living expenses, many have embraced platforms like Workana, Upwork, and Freelancer for tasks ranging from content creation to data annotation. The shift is partly driven by age-related biases in traditional job markets and the technological literacy gained during the pandemic. Despite the challenges, gig work offers a lifeline, allowing older Venezuelans to earn significantly more than the national minimum wage, though inflation remains a concern. The trend highlights the growing role of the gig economy in providing opportunities for marginalized groups.

iFood, Brazil's leading food delivery company, opened a facility in Rio de Janeiro to support assaulted delivery workers, but it remains unused due to its remote location. Despite a high number of reported attacks, workers find the center difficult to access and prefer in-app support. The company has launched awareness campaigns and partnered with Black Sisters in Law for legal and psychological aid, but workers and experts argue that more accessible and widespread measures are needed. The article underscores the systemic issues of discrimination and exploitation faced by gig workers in Brazil.

Rappi delivery workers in Colombia express dissatisfaction with the Defensoría al Repartidor (DAR), an ombudsman service meant to protect their interests. They argue that the DAR is ineffective and too closely aligned with Rappi, undermining its impartiality. Despite initial successes, many workers have unresolved issues and fear reprisals for using the service. The DAR was established following negotiations between Rappi and the union Unidapp, but skepticism remains about its autonomy. The article highlights broader concerns about labor rights and corporate accountability in the gig economy, amid ongoing political and regulatory scrutiny in Colombia.

China has evolved from being the world's factory to becoming a global shopping hub, with new e-commerce companies like Shein, Temu, and TikTok Shop targeting international customers. These platforms offer ultra-low prices, reshaping online shopping and attracting scrutiny from governments concerned about local businesses and supply chain integrity. Despite this, the Chinese e-commerce sector continues to grow, aiming to build global brands and business models. Rest of World explores this transformation through interviews with Chinese factory owners, visits to international markets, and insights into the new era of e-commerce.

Renan Gimenez, an Uber driver in São Paulo, Brazil, also resells perfumes and cosmetics from his car, effectively turning it into a mobile shop. He started this side business eight years ago and has honed his sales skills over time, claiming an 80% success rate in sales pitches. Although he faced a temporary ban from Uber due to a passenger's complaint, he has continued to thrive, selling to passengers and workers at various establishments. His dual income from Uber and cosmetics sales has allowed him financial flexibility and more time with his family.